FN Dish

Spike It: Red, White and Blue Mojitos for the 4th of July

I love a good festive cocktail! Short of adding a fiery sparkler, I wanted to make one of the most adorable and delicious red, white and blue beverages we could all serve at our 4th of July barbecues.

While margaritas are usually more my speed, I find that mojitos are a more-versatile alternative and tend to be appreciated by all. Tequila is quite a polarizing liquor, and people have strong opinions on it (and let’s be real — memories of bad experiences in college with it), but rum and sugar and lime and mint is a favorite almost everywhere. It’s milder. Not as edgy. A little friendlier. A touch lighter so you can have two cocktails and still be able to walk home.

So what better way to celebrate summer than with a red, white and blue boozy glass? With so much fruity flavor in one drink — these could not be more fun.

The layers! We have strawberries for the red, classic white rum for the white and blueberries for the blue. It's quite simple but super delicious. Lots of lime and mint give it the traditional mojito taste, with just a hint of sweetness from the fresh fruit.

The key to keeping them somewhat layered is to add your strawberries first, then tons of crushed ice in the center. Blueberries go on top, and guess what? You should totally use frozen ones, because they are a delicious way to keep your drink cold. Plus, they hold their shape well. Edible ice cubes, anyone?

*If needed, you could even make mocktail versions of these by using soda and lots of fresh fruit juice. Everyone would just go wild!

Red, White and Blue Mojitos

Serves 2

Ingredients:

12 to 15 fresh mint leaves, plus extra for topping

5 ounces simple syrup

3 ounce white rum

1 1/2 ounces of club soda

4 ounces fresh lime juice

6 strawberries, sliced

1/2 cup blueberries (frozen or fresh)

Lime wedges, for serving

Lots of crushed ice

Directions:

In the bottom of the glasses, add 1 ounce of simple syrup each and a few of the mint leaves. Muddle with a muddler. Add a lime slice to each glass.

Add strawberries to each glass, then fill with crushed ice three-quarters of the way full. Top with blueberries.

Pour your rum, the rest of the syrup, lime juice and club soda over top. Mix with a long spoon or knife and serve with an additional sprig of mint.

The Fourth of July is one of the greatest ways to celebrate summer and America –- we head to the beach, go swimming and get together for a good old fashioned cookout. Here are a few of my favorite Healthy Eats recipes to help you celebrate the red, white and blue -- sensibly.